Semiconductor circuit device with improved surge resistance

ABSTRACT

Inter power supply surge voltage transmitting diode element is formed by a buried layer formed in a semiconductor substrate, a well region formed on the buried layer with its bottom portion being in contact with the buried layer, and impurity regions of mutually different conductivity types formed apart from each other at the surface of the well region. One of the impurity regions is electrically coupled to a first power supply line on which a surge voltage generates, and the other is electrically coupled to a second power supply line absorbing the surge voltage. The surge transmitting element includes a plurality of elements arranged parallel to each other between the first and second power supply lines. The second power supply line supplies the power supply voltage to an internal circuitry which consumes relatively small current.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit device and,more particularly, to a semiconductor circuit device having an inputprotection circuit protecting an input circuit against a surge voltagesuch as static electricity applied to an input pad. More specifically,the present invention relates to a structure for improving surgeresistance of a multi-power source semiconductor circuit device to whicha plurality of power supply voltages are applied externally.

2. Description of the Background Art

FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an signal input portion ofa conventional semiconductor circuit device. Referring to FIG. 1, theconventional semiconductor circuit device includes an input circuit 2receiving a signal applied to input pad 1 and generating an internalsignal, and an internal circuit 3 performing a prescribed process inaccordance with the internal signal applied from input circuit 2. Inputcircuit 2 operates using a power supply voltage Vddi on a power supplynode PS1 and the ground voltage GND as two operational power sourcevoltages, and converts an amplitude of the input signal applied to inputpad 1 to the level of the power supply voltage Vddi. Internal circuit 3operates using a power supply voltage Vdd on a power supply node PS2 andthe ground voltage GND as two operational power source voltages.

The semiconductor circuit device further includes a diode type inputprotection circuit 2 for protecting input circuit 2 against a surgevoltage applied to input pad 1. Diode type input protection circuit 4includes a PN junction diode D1 connected in the forward directionbetween an internal node 5 and a power supply node PS3, and a PNjunction diode D2 connected in reverse direction between internal node 5and the ground node. Power supply node PS3 of diode type inputprotection circuit 4 and power supply node PS1 of input circuit 2 areconnected to each other through a power supply line G. A parasiticcapacitance Cl is parasitically connected to power supply line 6, andthere is a parasitic capacitance C2 on a power supply line 7 connectedto power supply node PS2. Power supply lines 6 and 7 are separated fromeach other. When an input signal having relatively small amplitude suchas an LVTTL (low voltage transistor-transistor-logic) is used as aninput signal, power supply voltage Vddi for the input circuit is set ata value lower with respect to the power supply voltage Vdd of theinternal circuitry. When the power supply voltage Vdd is 3.3 V, LVTTLhas input high level voltage VIH of 2.0 V and an input low level voltageVIL of 0.8 V. In order to accurately determine the H and L levels ofsuch a signal having small amplitude, the voltage level of power supplyvoltage Vddi of input circuit 2 is made lower than the power supplyvoltage Vdd of the internal circuitry.

Input circuit 2 is an input buffer circuit connected to input pad 1, ofwhich total number is relatively small, and hence capacitance value ofparasitic capacitance C1 connected to power supply line 6 is relativelysmall. In contrast, internal circuit 3 connected to power supply line 7has a number of components, and capacitance value of parasiticcapacitance C2 connected to internal power supply line 7 is relativelylarge.

Assume that a positive surge voltage is applied to input pad 1. Thepositive surge voltage is at a voltage level sufficiently higher thanpower supply voltage Vddi, so that diode D1 is rendered conductive andthe surge voltage is transmitted from power supply node PS3 throughpower supply line 6 and power supply node PS1 to input circuit 2. Thesurge voltage is dissipated and consumed by the components included ininput circuit 2, and the surge voltage is absorbed.

When the surge voltage is to be absorbed by power supply line 6,however, the surge voltage cannot entirely be absorbed by parasiticcapacitance C1 as the capacitance value of parasitic capacitance C1connected to power supply line 6 is small, and a high surge voltage isundesirably applied to the components of input circuit 2, damaging thecomponents (transistors) included in input circuit 2.

Similarly, when a negative surge voltage generates on input pad 1, diodeD2 is rendered conductive, and the negative surge voltage is absorbed bythe ground line through the ground node of diode type input protectioncircuit 4. When the ground node of diode type input protection circuit 4and the ground node of input circuit 2 are connected to each other bythe ground line, the negative surge voltage cannot sufficiently beabsorbed as the parasitic capacitance of the ground line is also small,and therefore, components of input circuit 2 are damaged by the negativesurge voltage.

Therefore, even when input protection circuit 4 is provided, the surgevoltage cannot effectively be absorbed, and hence input circuit 2 cannotsufficiently be protected against the surge voltage.

FIG. 2 shows another configuration of the conventional input protectioncircuit. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a PN junction diode D3 isconnected in the forward direction between power supply line 6 of inputcircuit 2 and power supply line 7 of internal circuit 3. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2, when a positive surge voltage is applied,diode D1 is rendered conductive and the surge voltage is transmitted topower supply line 6. When the surge voltage cannot sufficiently beabsorbed by parasitic capacitance C1, diode D3 is rendered conductive,the surge voltage is transmitted from power supply line 6 to powersupply line 7, and the surge voltage is absorbed by parasiticcapacitance C2 existing on power supply line 7. As internal circuit 3has a number of components and parasitic capacitance C2 has largecapacitance value, the surge voltage can be absorbed without damagingthe components of internal circuit 3.

By connecting separately provided power supply lines 6 and 7 utilizingdiode D3, absorbing path of the positive surge voltage is ensured,improving surge resistance. By providing similar configuration, anegative surge voltage absorbing path can also be formed for thenegative surge voltage.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof PN junction diode D3 shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, PNjunction diode D3 includes an N well 11 formed at a surface of a P typesemiconductor substrate 10, a high concentration P type impurity region12 formed at a surface of N well 11, and a high concentration N typeimpurity region 13 formed spaced from impurity region 12 at the surfaceof N well 11.

Diode D3 utilizes a PN junction formed between P type impurity region 12and N well 11. P type impurity region 12 is connected to power supplynode PS1 applying power supply voltage Vddi, and impurity region 13 isconnected to power supply node PS2 applying power supply voltage Vdd. Nwell 11 has low impurity concentration and relatively high resistance.The PN junction between P type impurity region 12 and the N well isconnected in series with a well resistance R of N well 11. When thesurge voltage is transmitted from input pad 1 through diode D1 and powersupply line 6 to diode D3, it is necessary to transmit the surge voltageat high speed to power supply node PS2 using diode D3, so that the surgevoltage is absorbed at high speed by parasitic capacitance C2 of powersupply line 7 connected to power supply node PS2.

However, as well resistance R has high resistance value, the surgevoltage cannot fully be transmitted from power supply node PS1 to powersupply node PS2 (as there is a considerable voltage drop caused by wellresistance R), and therefore the voltage level of the surge voltage atpower supply node PS1 cannot sufficiently be lowered. Therefore, thereis a case that a large surge voltage is applied to input circuit 2connected to power supply node PS2, damaging input circuit 2.

In order to eliminate the disadvantageous effect of well resistance Rand to transmit the large surge voltage from power supply node PS1 topower supply node PS2 at high speed, it is necessary to enlarge the size(width) of diode D3 so as to lower the equivalent resistance value ofwell resistance R from power supply node PS1 to power supply node PS2.In that case, the size of PN junction diode D3 increases, and the areaoccupied by diode D3 increases. Further, when internal power supplylines 6 and 7 are not adjacent to each other and not parallel to eachother, it is necessary to connect PN junction diode D3 between powersupply lines 6 and 7 by using a lead line. Therefore, unless there issufficient free area, layout of diode D3 with margin is difficult, whichmeans that it is difficult to implement a surge voltage resistantcircuit suitable for higher degree of integration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor circuitdevice allowing improvement of surge resistance without increasingoccupation area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductorcircuit device free of any restriction in position of laying-out a diodeelement for transmitting inter power supply surge voltage.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-powersource semiconductor circuit device in which the surge voltage is surelyabsorbed.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides asemiconductor circuit device including a surge resistance enhancingelement coupled between first and second power source lines andtransmitting the surge voltage generated on the first power source lineto the second power source line. The surge resistance enhancing elementincludes a buried layer of a second conductivity type formed in asubstrate region of a first conductivity type, and a well of the secondconductivity type formed at the surface of the buried layer. The bottomportion of the well is in contact with the surface of the buried layer.

The semiconductor circuit device in accordance with the first aspectfurther includes a first impurity region of the first conductivity typeformed at the surface of the well and electrically connected to thefirst power source line, and a second impurity region of the secondconductivity type formed apart from the first impurity region at thewell surface and electrically connected to the second power source line.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides asemiconductor circuit device including a first power source line formedextending continuously in the shape of a loop along the periphery of arectangular region of the semiconductor substrate and transmitting afirst power source voltage, an input circuit coupled to the first powersource line and generating an internal signal in accordance with asignal applied to an input node, a second power source line formedextending in the shape of a loop along the periphery of the rectangularregion of the semiconductor substrate and transmitting a second powersource voltage, and a plurality of diode elements coupled parallel toeach other between the first and second power source lines.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides asemiconductor circuit device including a first power source linetransmitting a first power source voltage, a second power source lineprovided separate from the first power source line and transmitting asecond power source voltage, a third power source line provided separatefrom the first power source line and transmitting a third power sourcevoltage, an input circuit operating using the first power source voltageof the first power source line as one operational power supply voltageand generating an internal signal in accordance with a signal applied toan input node, first internal circuitry receiving as one operationalpower source voltage the second power source voltage on the second powersource line and performing a prescribed internal operation, and secondinternal circuitry receiving as one operational power supply voltage,the third power source voltage on the third power source line andperforming a prescribed operation. In operation, the second internalcircuitry consumes more current than the first internal circuitry inoperation.

The semiconductor circuit device in accordance with the third aspect ofthe present invention further includes a diode element coupled betweenthe first and second power source lines.

As the surge resistance enhancement element for transmitting the surgevoltage between power source lines is formed in the well region and theburied layer, the buried layer reduces equivalently the well resistance,and reduces serial parasitic resistance of the PN junction diodeelement, so that the surge voltage can be transmitted at high speed fromthe first to the second power source line, and hence the surge voltagecan efficiently be absorbed.

Further, as the first and second power source lines are arranged alongthe periphery of the rectangular region of the semiconductor substratein the shape of loops and the diode element for transmitting surgevoltage is arranged between the first and second power source lines, thefirst and second power source lines are arranged parallel to each otherover a long distance, and it becomes possible to arrange the diodeelement to be overlapping on the first and second power source lines,which facilitates layout and allows increase in size (width of the diodeelement. Therefore, the surge voltage can be transmitted efficiently.

Further, as a plurality of diode elements are provided, it is possibleto efficiently transmit the surge voltage from the first power sourceline to the second power source line regardless of the position wherethe surge voltage generates. Therefore, the surge voltage resistancebecomes less dependent on locations.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing a configuration of an input protectioncircuit.

FIG. 2 is a diagram representing a configuration of another conventionalinput protection circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof a surge absorbing diode included in the conventional input protectioncircuit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram representing an overall configuration ofthe semiconductor circuit in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof the surge resistance enhancing element in accordance with the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof a negative surge resistance enhancing element in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof a main portion of the semiconductor circuit device in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram representing pin arrangement of thesemiconductor circuit device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram representing arrangement of internalcircuitry of the semiconductor circuit device in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram representing power supply arrangement foran input buffer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram representing configurations of mainportions of the semiconductor circuit device in accordance with thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration representing a modification of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a planar layout of the surgeresistance enhancing element in accordance with the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram representing a configuration of a memorycircuit in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram representing a configuration of a finaloutput stage of the output circuit shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 represents an exemplary connection of inter power supply surgevoltage through diode.

FIG. 17 represents connection of the surge resistance enhancing elementin accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 represents a modification of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof the input protection circuit in accordance with the fourth embodimentof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram representing an overall configuration ofthe semiconductor circuit device in accordance with the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 4, a semiconductor circuit device 20includes: input circuitry 22 receiving a power supply voltage Vddiapplied to a pad 26 a through a power supply line 26 and receiving aground voltage Vssi at pad 28 a through a low potential power supplyline (hereinafter referred to as a ground line) 28 and generatinginternal signals in accordance with control signals CTL applied to pads21 a, address signals ADD applied to pads 21 b and input data D appliedto pad 21 b; an input protection circuit 24 provided at a precedingstage of input circuit 24 for protecting input circuitry 22 againstsurge voltages generated in pads 21 a, 2 b and 21 c; and a memorycircuitry 23 operating in accordance with the internal signal appliedfrom input circuitry 22. Memory circuitry 23 includes memory cells forstoring data and a peripheral circuit for selecting a memory cell andwriting/reading data.

Input protection circuit 24 includes input protection circuits providedfor respective pads of pad groups 21 a, 21 b and 21 c, and the inputprotection circuits are coupled to power supply line 26 and ground line28. Memory circuitry 23 receives the power supply voltage Vdd applied topad 27 a through power supply line 27, and the ground voltage Vssapplied to pad 27 a through a ground line 29.

Control signals CTL applied to pads 21 a include a chip selection signalfor setting a chip to a selected state, a write enable signal foractivating data write operation, an output enable; signal for activatingdata output operation, and an address strobe signal designating takingof an address signal. If the semiconductor circuit device operates insynchronization with a clock signal, the control signals CTL alsoinclude a clock signal CLK providing the timing of synchronizedoperation. Input circuitry 22 receives the control signals CTL, anaddress signal ADD and input data D, and converts these to signalshaving the amplitude of internal power supply voltage Vddi.

Semiconductor circuit device 20 further includes a surge resistanceenhancing element 30 provided between power supply lines 26 and 27 and asurge resistance enhancing element 31 provided between ground lines 28and 29.

In the semiconductor circuit device shown in FIG. 4, a data input pad 21c and a data output pad 21 d are provided separately. Data input/output,however, may be performed through the same pad. In FIG. 4, data inputpad 21 c and data output pad 21 d are shown arranged separately, simplyfor the purpose of distinguishing an input signal from an output signal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof surge resistance enhancing element 30 of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5,surge resistance enhancing element 30 includes an N type buried layer 35formed at the surface of P type semiconductor substrate 10, an N well 11formed on N type buried layer 35, a high concentration P type impurityregion 12 formed at the surface of N well 11 and electrically connectedto power supply line 26, and a high concentration N type impurity region13 formed at the surface of N well 11 apart from impurity region 12 andelectrically connected to power supply line 27.

N type buried layer 35 has higher impurity concentration than N well 11and sufficiently low resistance value. The bottom portion of N well 11is in contact with the surface of N type buried layer 35. Therefore, ata portion of N well 11 in contact with N type buried layer 35, thevoltage is the same, there is no voltage distribution (voltage drop) atthe bottom portion of N well 11, therefore in N well 11, resistancevalue from a portion below impurity region 12 to a portion below N typeimpurity region 13 is reduced, and as a result, well resistance of Nwell 11 is reduced. P wells 36 a and 36 b are formed at opposing sidesof N well 11.

P wells 36 a and 36 b are adapted to have higher impurity concentrationthan P type substrate 10.

In the structure of surge resistance enhancing element 30 shown in FIG.5, PN junction between P type impurity region 12 and N well 11 isutilized as a PN junction diode. The resistance of N well 11 isequivalently lowered by N type buried layer 35. Therefore, even when thepositive surge voltage is transmitted over power supply line 26, thesurge voltage can be transmitted at high speed to power supply line 27,and the surge voltage on power supply line 26 is absorbed. Largeparasitic capacitance C2 derived from components of memory circuitry 23is connected to power supply line 27. Therefore, by the parasiticcapacitance C2 or by the consumption by components in memory circuitry23, the surge voltage can surely be absorbed. Further, P wells 36 a and36 b formed at opposite sides of N well 11 provide parasitic PN junctioncapacitances. Therefore, the surge voltage is also absorbed by theparasitic PN junction capacitances.

By utilizing the N type buried layer 35, the resistance value of the PNjunction serial parasitic resistance of surge resistance enhancingelement can be made sufficiently small, and therefore even when thesurge voltage on power supply line 26 cannot be absorbed by parasiticcapacitance C1 of power supply line 26, the surge voltage can surely betransmitted to power supply line 27 and absorbed by parasiticcapacitance C2.

Even when N type buried layer 35 attains to a high voltage level becauseof the positive surge voltage, the N type buried layer 35 and P typesemiconductor substrate 10 are maintained in a reverse biased stateprovided that P semiconductor substrate 10 is biased to the level of theground voltage. Therefore, no current flows between N type buried layer35 and P type semiconductor substrate 10.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram representing a cross sectional structureof surge resistance enhancing element 31 of FIG. 4. The cross sectionalstructure of surge resistance enhancing element 31 of FIG. 6 is the sameas the cross sectional structure of surge resistance enhancing element30 of FIG. 5. Therefore, corresponding portions are denoted by the samereference characters with “s” added as a suffix.

In the structure of surge resistance enhancing element 31 shown in FIG.6, N type impurity region 13 s is electrically coupled to ground line 28transmitting ground voltage Vssi, and P type imply region 12 s iscoupled to ground line 29 transmitting ground voltage Vss. Capacitancevalue of parasitic capacitance C3 associated with ground line 28 issmaller than the capacitance value of parasitic capacitance C4associated with ground line 29. When a negative surge voltage generateson ground line 28, P type impurity region 12 s and N well 11 s arebiased in the forward direction, surge resistance enhancing element 31is rendered conductive, and if the negative surge voltage is notabsorbed by capacitance element C3, the surge voltage is transmitted toground line 29 and absorbed by parasitic capacitance C4. At this time,as N type buried layer 35 s has low resistance, the negative surgevoltage can be transmitted at high speed to ground line 29 withoutcausing any voltage drop (rise). Therefore, damage to the internalcircuitry can be prevented.

Further, when the negative surge voltage is generated, N type buriedlayer 35 s and P type semiconductor substrate 10 s are biased in theforward direction, current flows from P type semiconductor substrate 10s to N type buried layer 35 s and, similarly, the negative surge voltageis absorbed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram representing a configuration of memorycircuitry 23 and a signal input portion shown in FIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 7, memory circuitry 23 includes a memory cell array region I inwhich memory cells are arranged, and peripheral circuitry region II inwhich peripheral circuitry for controlling an access operation to amemory cell of the memory cell array is arranged. Input protectioncircuit 24 and input circuitry 22 are arranged in an input circuitryregion III.

Memory cell array region I includes a high concentration N type buriedlayer 40 formed at the surface of P type semiconductor substrate 10, anda P well 41 formed on N type buried layer 40. Bottom portion of P well41 is in contact with the surface of N type buried layer 40. P well 41acts as a substrate region of a memory cell (a dynamic memory cell of 1transistor/1 capacitor type). P well 41 is biased to the ground voltagethrough a high concentration P type impurity region 42 formed at thesurface thereof.

The memory cell includes a high concentration N type imply region 43formed at the surface of P well 41, and a cell plate electrode layer 45formed on high concentration N type impurity region 43 with a capacitorinsulating film 44 interposed. A prescribed cell plate voltage Vcp isapplied to cell plate electrode layer 45. Cell plate electrode layer 45,capacitor insulating film 44 and impurity region 43 form a memory cellcapacitor for storing information. An access transistor for selectingthe memory cell capacitor is similarly formed by an n channel MOStransistor having N type impurity regions 43 as its drain/source formedat the surface of P well 41. The access transistor, however, is notshown for simplicity of the drawing.

Around P well 41, isolation N wells 46 and 48 are formed. N wells 46 and48 have their bottom portions in contact with n type buried layer 40. Nwells 46 and 48 are biased to the power supply voltage Vcc by highconcentration N type impurity regions 47 and 49 formed at respectivesurfaces. Through N wells 46 and 48, N type buried layer 40 is alsobiased to the level of the power supply voltage Vcc. P well 41 is biasedto the ground voltage level, and P well 41, N wells 46 and 48 and N typeburied layer 40 are maintained in a reverse biased state. As P well 41is biased to the level of the ground voltage, threshold voltages of MOStransistors such as the access transistor formed in memory cell arrayregion I are stabilized and fluctuation of substrate potential caused bysubstrate current at the time of circuit operation is suppressed.

In peripheral circuitry region II, an N well 52 for forming a p channelMOS transistor and a P well 54 for forming an n channel MOS transistorare formed. In FIG. 7, a high concentration P type impurity region 53formed at the surface of N well 52 for forming the p channel MOStransistor and a high concentration N type impurity region 55 formed atthe surface of P well 54 for forming the n channel MOS transistor areshown as representatives. N wells 52 and 48 are isolated by a P well 50formed therebetween. P well 50 is biased to the level of the groundvoltage by a high concentration P type impurity region 51 formed at thesurface thereof.

In the peripheral circuitry region II, the n channel MOS transistor andp channel MOS transistor may be formed by adopting a twin well structurein which a P well is formed in an N well or vice versa, or adopting atriple well structure in which an additional well is formed. FIG. 7simply represents that a CMOS transistor is used in memory circuitry 23.

Input circuitry region III includes, as already stated, input protectioncircuit 24 and input circuitry 22. FIG. 7 shows a structure of diode D2for absorbing the negative surge voltage included in input protectioncircuit 24 as a representative. In input circuitry region III, surgeabsorbing diode D2 is formed by a high concentration N type buried layer60 formed in P type substrate 10, an N well 61 formed on N type buriedlayer 60, a high concentration P type impurity region 62 formed at thesurface of N well 61 and a high concentration N type impurity region 63formed at the surface of N well 61 spaced from P type impurity region62.

P type impurity region 62 is coupled to the ground node, and N typeimpurity region 63 is electrically connected to input node 5. As N typeburied layer 60 is utilized for the surge voltage absorbing diode D2 asin the inter power supply surge voltage transmitting diode, wellresistance of N well 61 is equivalently reduced, and the negative surgevoltage is transmitted at high speed to the ground node.

When the negative surge voltage is generated, the PN junction diodeformed between P type impurity region 62 and N well 61 is renderedconductive, and the current flows from the ground node to the input node5. P type substrate 10 and N well 61 are biased in the forwarddirection, a current flows to P type substrate 10, and charges flow intoP type substrate 10 through N well 61 and N type buried layer 60. Thecharges (electrons e) are absorbed by N type buried layer 40 formed inmemory cell array region I. If N type buried layer 40 is not provided,the injected charges are absorbed by N type impurity region 43constituting the capacitor of a memory cell, destroying the data storedtherein (H level data is converted to L level data). Destruction ofstored data caused by the charges injected to the substrate (soft error)is prevented by the N type buried layer 40.

When radioactive ray from the package is incident on memory cell arrayregion I because of cosmic ray irradiation, for example, electron/holepairs are generated in P well 41 by the radioactive ray (for example, αray). The generated holes have short diffusion distance and are absorbedby P well 41 biased to the level of the ground voltage. When N typeburied layer 40 were not provided, the generated electrons are absorbedby N type impurity region 43 which will be the storage node of thememory cell (electrode node of memory cell capacitor), and the datastored in the memory cell would be destroyed in the similar manner. Theelectrons (e) generated by the incident radioactive ray in P well 41 areabsorbed by N type buried layer 40 biased to the level of the powersupply voltage Vcc. Therefore, in common CMOS memory with a dynamicmemory cell, N type buried layer 40 is provided below P well 41 in orderto prevent soft error. In the same step of manufacturing process as Ntype buried layer 40 which is formed in memory cell array region I inthe CMOS manufacturing process, N type buried layer 60 is also formedfor surge voltage absorbing diode D2. N type buried layers 60 and 40have at least the same impurity concentration. Similarly, for the interpower supply surge voltage through elements 30 and 31 shown in FIGS. 5and 6, N type buried layers 35 and 35 s are formed in the same step ofCMOS manufacturing process as in memory cell array region I. In thismanner, it is possible to form N type buried layers for surge resistanceenhancing elements to reduce resistance value of the parasitic serialresistance component, without increasing the number of process steps.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, an element transmitting the surge voltage between powersources is provided by the P type impurity region, the N well and the Ntype buried layer formed therebelow, the resistance value of theparasitic serial resistance of the PN junction diode can be reduced andhence the surge voltage can be transmitted at high speed to the internalcircuit power source line, and the surge voltage can surely be absorbed.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pin arrangement ofthe semiconductor circuit device to which the present invention isapplied. Referring to FIG. 8, the semiconductor circuit device is asemiconductor memory device, and to pin terminals 21 aa and 21 ab,control signals CTLa and CTLb are applied. Input/output data DQ areapplied to pin terminals 21 ca and 21 cb. Internal circuit power supplyvoltage Vdd is applied to pin terminals 27 aa and. 27 ab, and inputcircuit power supply voltage Vddi is applied to pin terminals 26 aa and26 ab. Address signal bits Add are applied to pin terminals 21 ba and 21bb. Though the ground voltages Vss and Vssi are not shown in FIG. 8, theground voltages are dispersed and supplied in the similar manner aspower supply voltages Vdd and Vddi.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, in the semiconductor circuit device, pinterminals are arranged dispersed in the periphery of the package.Therefore, internal circuit devices are arranged dispersed on thesemiconductor chip, depending on the pin arrangement.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement of theinput circuit in the semiconductor circuit device. Referring to FIG. 9,semiconductor circuit device 20 includes, as input circuitry 22, acontrol input buffer 22 a receiving control signals CTLa and CTLb,address input buffers 22 c and 22 d receiving address signal bit Add,and a data input buffer 22 b receiving input data signal D. Data inputbuffer 22 b and address input buffer 22 d are arranged opposing tocontrol input buffer 22 a and address input buffer 22 c with respect tomemory circuitry 23.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, in accordance with the pin arrangement,input circuits (input buffers) are arranged dispersed in thesemiconductor circuit device 20. The dispersedly arranged input bufferseach include an input buffer circuit for each input signal, and an inputprotection circuit is provided for each input buffer circuit.

FIG. 10 represents an exemplary arrangement of surge resistanceenhancing element in accordance with the second embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 10, input protection circuits 24a-24 n are provided for input pads 71 a to 71 n, respectively, and inputbuffer circuits 70 a to 70 n are arranged for input protection circuit24 a to 24 n, respectively. Input buffer circuits 70 a to 70 n areincluded in input circuitry 22 shown in FIG. 4, and input buffercircuits 70 a to 70 n are arranged dispersed, as shown in FIG. 9. Inputprotection circuits 24 a to 24 n and input buffer circuits 70 a to 70 nare commonly coupled to power supply line 26 and receive input circuitpower supply voltage Vddi. Power supply line 26 is coupled to powersupply line 27 through surge resistance enhancing element 30. The surgevoltage generates in any of input pads 71 a to 71 n. Input buffercircuits 70 a to 70 n are arranged dispersed on the semiconductor chip,as shown in FIG. 9.

When power supply line 26 becomes long with its line resistance becominginnegligible, it may be impossible to efficiently absorb the surgevoltage. When power supply lines 26 and 27 are arranged not parallel toeach other over a long distance because of the arrangement of memorycircuit 26 and input circuitry 22, it is impossible to efficientlyarrange the surge resistance enhancing element 30. The second embodimentof the present invention enables an efficient arrangement of surgeresistance enhancing element 30 and an arrangement capable ofefficiently absorbing the surge voltage no matter which input pad hasthe surge voltage generate of thereat.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a main portion of semiconductorcircuit device 20 in accordance with the second embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 11, semiconductor circuit device 20is formed on a rectangular semiconductor chip (substrate). Semiconductorcircuit device 20 includes a memory cell array 23 m as memory circuitry.Outside memory cell array 23 m, external signal input pads PD arearranged along the chip periphery. In alignment with external signalinput pads PD, arranged are a power supply pad p26 a receiving powersupply voltage Vddi, a power supply pad p27 a receiving internal circuitpower supply voltage Vdd, a ground pad p28 receiving the ground voltageGND, a power supply pad p26 b receiving input circuit power supplyvoltage Vddi, and a power supply pad p27 b receiving output circuitpower supply voltage Vddq. The output circuit power supply voltage Vddqwill be described in detail later. The output circuit is required ofhigh speed driving of a large external load, and hence the outputcircuit has large consumption current and causes much fluctuation of thepower supply voltage. Therefore, in order that the operation of theoutput circuit does not affect other circuits, output circuit powersupply voltage Vddq is transmitted only for the output circuit, throughpad p27 b.

Pads 26 a and 26 b receiving input circuit power supply voltage Vddi areprovided on opposing sides of memory cell array 23 m, in order to supplyinternal circuit power supply voltage Vddi stably, as input buffercircuits are arranged dispersed on the semiconductor chip, as shown inFIG. 9. voltage through diodes 30 a and 30 b may be provided, arrangeddispersed over semiconductor chip 20.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, as inter power supply surge voltage throughdiodes 30 a and 30 b are arranged dispersed on semiconductor chip 20, itis possible to transmit the surge voltage to power supply line 27without any influence of line resistance of power supply line 26, andhence the generated surge voltage can be transmitted at high speed topower supply line 27 regardless of where the surge voltage is generated.Therefore, surge resistance is made less dependent on the location wherethe surge voltage is generated.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, there are two pads provided toreceive input power supply voltage Vdd. Even when there is one pad toreceive power supply voltage Vdd, similar effect can be obtained byarranging power supply line 26 in the shape of a closed loop and byarranging a plurality of surge voltage through diodes dispersed on thesemiconductor chip.

The input buffer circuit is arranged close to an external signal inputpad PD.

When power supply lines 26 and 27 are arranged in closed loops, powersupply lines 26 and 27 intersect near power supply pad 27 a. Crossing ofthe power supply lines can readily be attained by forming power supplylines 26 and 27 in different interconnection layers at this intersectingportion.

Modification

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a configuration of amodification of the second embodiment. In the arrangement shown in FIG.12, pads p28 a and p28 b receiving input circuit ground voltage Vssi arearranged on opposing sides in the periphery of semiconductor chip 20.Ground line 28 is arranged extending continuously in the shape of aclosed loop and connected to pads p28 a and p28 b.

A pad p27 a receiving internal circuit ground voltage Vss is connectedto ground line 29 which is also in the shape of a similar closed loop.

A power supply line (ground line) 81 is provided for a pad p81 a

The power supply line 26 from power supply pads p26 a and p26 b isarranged continuously extending in the shape of a closed loop along theperipheral portion of the semiconductor chip 20 on which thesemiconductor circuit device 20 is formed (hereinafter simply referredto as semiconductor chip 20). Therefore, power supply voltage Vddi istransmitted in two directions from power supply pads p26 a and p26 bthrough the power supply line 26 in the shape of a closed loop. In oneinput buffer circuit, power supply voltage Vddi is supplied fromopposing sides, through power supply line 26, and therefore the powersupply is enhanced.

Power supply line 27 connected to power supply pad p27 a is alsoarranged continuously extending in the shape of a closed loop along theperiphery of semiconductor chip 20. As power supply line 27 is arrangedto form a closed loop, it becomes possible to supply the power supplyvoltage utilizing a power supply lead, regardless of the distance frompower supply pad p27 a, to the internal circuitry. Therefore,equivalently, the power supply line length between the power supply lineand the internal circuitry can be made shorter, and hence internalcircuit power supply voltage Vdd can be supplied to the internalcircuitry (including memory cell array 23 m) stably.

Further, ground line 75 from ground pad p28 is similarly arrangedcontinuously extending in the shape of a closed loop, outside the memorycell array 23 m. The ground voltage GND on ground pad p28 may be theground voltage for the internal circuitry, the ground voltage for inputcircuit, or the ground voltage for an output circuit. Power supply padp27 b is connected to a power supply line 80 arranged extending alongone side of semiconductor chip 20. This is because a layout in whichoutput buffer circuits are arranged on one side of semiconductor chip 20is assumed. If output circuits are provided on opposing sides of thechip, power supply pads p27 b would be arranged on opposing sides ofmemory cell array 23 m.

Surge resistance enhancing element 30 includes inter power supply surgevoltage through diodes 30 a and 30 b connected between power supplylines 26 and 27. Diodes 30 a and 30 b are arranged on opposing sides ofmemory cell array 23 m. Larger number of inter power supply surgereceiving output circuit ground voltage Vssq. The power supply line 81is arranged corresponding to the output circuits, along one side in theperiphery of semiconductor chip 20.

Between ground lines 28 and 29, inter power supply surge voltage throughdiodes 31 a to 31 d are arranged dispersed as surge resistance enhancingelements 31. The diodes 31 a to 31 d cause a current to flow from groundline 29 to ground line 28 when conduct. Accordingly, even when thenegative surge voltage is generated, the negative surge voltage can betransmitted at high speed from the ground line 28 to ground line 29 tobe absorbed by the ground line 29, regardless of the location where thenegative surge voltage generates. Accordingly, the surge resistance canbe made less dependent on the location for the negative surge voltage aswell. Thus a semiconductor circuit device having superior surgeresistance is realized.

As inter power supply surge voltage through diodes 31 a to 31 d arearranged dispersed on semiconductor chip 20, there is little influenceof line resistance on ground line 28, and the negative surge voltage canbe transmitted to ground line 29 through diodes 31 a to 31 d near aportion where the surge voltage generates.

The arrangement of diodes constituting surge resistance enhancingelements 30 and 31 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has the followingadvantages.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a planar layout of diodesincluded in surge resistance enhancing element 30. Power supply lines 26and 27 are arranged parallel to each other. An N well 11 is providedbelow power supply lines 26 and 27. At the surface of N well 11, p typeimpurity region 12 and N type impurity region 13 are formed. P typeimpurity region 12 is connected to power supply line 26 through acontact hole 85 p, and N type impurity region 13 is connected to powersupply line 27 through a contact hole 85 n. Therefore, it is possible toarrange the diodes overlapped with power supply lines 26 and 27 whenviewed two-dimensionally, so that the layout of the surge enhancingelements can be simplified. Further, power supply lines 26 and 27 areprovided extending parallel to each other, so that the width of N well11 along the direction of extension of the power supply lines 26 and 27can be made sufficiently wide, the current drivability of the diodes canbe made sufficiently large, and therefore the surge voltage can betransmitted at high speed.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the layout of the surge voltage throughdiodes. Generally, power supply lines 26 and 27 are formed in the secondor third level interconnection layer, and it is necessary to provide afirst level interconnection layer inserted above the surface of N well11 formed at the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and to providea contact by means of a plug, for example. The specific electricalconnection between power supply lines 26 and 27 and impurity regions 12and 13 are not specifically significant. What is important is that theregion where power supply lines 26 and 27 are arranged is overlappedwith the surge through diodes.

As regards diode elements 31 a to 31 d for transmitting the negativesurge voltage, similar layout to the arrangement of FIG. 13 can beimplemented. This is because the ground lines 28 and 29 are arrangedextending parallel to each other over a long distance.

In the pad arrangement shown in FIG. 11, pads PD are arranged in theperiphery of semiconductor chip 20. Even in the lead on chip (LOC)arrangement in which pads are arranged at the central portion of thesemiconductor circuit device, similar effects can be obtained byarranging the power supply lines/ground lines in the shape of loops.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 14 more schematically represents the configuration of memorycircuitry 23. Referring to FIG. 14, memory circuitry 23 includesperipheral circuitry 23 p performing a memory cell selecting operationin accordance with an internal signal from input circuitry 22, a memorycell array 23 m including a plurality of memory cells, and outputcircuitry 23 o for externally outputting data of a selected memory cellof memory cell array 23 m. In memory cell array 23 m, there are provideda plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, abit line equalize circuit for equalizing bit lines arrangedcorresponding to each column of memory cells to an intermediate voltage,and a sense amplifier circuit for sensing and amplifying memory celldata read onto each column. Peripheral circuitry 23 p includes a circuitfor controlling the memory cell selecting operation in accordance withthe internal signal from input circuitry 22, as well as an addresssignal decode circuit, a control signal generating circuit, a data writecircuit and a data read circuit.

To input circuitry 22, power supply voltage Vddi is applied throughpower supply line 26 from input node (pad) 26 a, and the ground voltageVssi is applied through ground line 28 from input node (pad) 28 a. Inmemory circuitry 23, to peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cell array23 m, power supply voltage Vdd applied to input node (pad) 27 a isapplied through power supply line 27, and the ground voltage Vss appliedto the input node (pad) is applied through ground line 29.

To output circuitry 23 o, output power supply voltage Vddq applied atinput node (pad) 27 b is applied through power supply line 80, and theground voltage Vssq applied to input node (ad) 81 a is applied throughground line 81.

To the input circuitry 22, power supply voltage Vddi is applieddedicatedly for the input circuitry in order to determine high level/lowlevel of an external input signal.

To peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cell array 23 m, power supplyvoltage Vdd and ground voltage Vss are applied. Separate power supplyvoltages Vddp and Vdds for peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cellarray 23 m may be generated using an internal power supply voltage downconverting circuit, from power supply voltage Vdd.

The power supply voltage Vddq and the ground voltage Vssq are provideddedicatedly for output circuitry 23 o, from the following reasons.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the configuration of the finaloutput stage of output circuitry 23 o shown in FIG. 14. The final stageof output circuitry 23 a includes n channel MOS transistors NQ1 and NQ2connected in series between the power supply node and the ground node.In a data output operation, one of MOS transistors NQ1 and NQ2 is turnedon, an H level signal which is at the level of the power supply voltageVddq or a signal at the level of the ground voltage Vssq is outputexternally through output node OND.

An external signal line and an input capacitance are connected to outputnode OND. Load capacitance CL of output node OND is relatively large,because of interconnection lines outside the chip, for example. It isnecessary for output circuitry 23 o to charge and discharge output loadCL at high speed. Therefore, the size (channel width) of MOS transistorsNQ1 and NQ2 at the final output stage is made as large as about severalhundreds μm, for example, and MOS transistors NQ1 and NQ2 drive the loadCL with large current drivability. When output load CL is driven throughoutput node OND, power supply voltage Vddq or the ground voltage Vssq isconsumed by the driving current. When the power supply voltage Vddq isconsumed with the large current drivability, it is possible that thevoltage level of output power supply voltage Vddq lowers, and powersupply noise is generated, while large current flows into ground voltageVssq increasing the voltage level thereof, and power supply noise issimilarly generated. In order that the power supply noises on voltagesVddq and Vssq do not affect other circuits, power supply voltages Vddqand Vssq are applied exclusively to output circuitry 23 o. Here, it isespecially noted that when the number of output data bits of outputcircuitry 23 o is large and the number of output circuits is large, muchcurrent is consumed in operation, resulting in considerable magnitudesof fluctuation of power supply voltage Vddq/Vssq. Therefore, there ismuch influence of the power supply voltage. For this reason, aconfiguration is generally utilized that the power supply voltagesVddq/Vssq is supplied from the outside for every prescribed number ofbits of the output circuitry. Therefore, in most cases, there are aplurality of input nodes 27 b receiving the power supply voltage Vddqand a plurality of input nodes 81 a receiving the ground voltage Vssq,in the semiconductor circuit device.

In peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cell array 23 m, only a part ofthe overall circuitry operates to reduce current consumption. Morespecifically, memory cell array 23 m is divided into blocks andoperation is performed block by block. Therefore, even when the numberof components of peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cell array 23 m islarge, the number of components operating at one time is small, andhence power supply voltage Vdd does not much fluctuate (currentconsumption is small when peripheral circuitry 23 p and memory cellarray 23 m operate). Specially in the peripheral circuitry 23 p andmemory cell array 23 m, the transistor size is reduced in view of higherdegree of integration. Namely, the transistor size (channel width) isseveral to several tens μm, the transistor has small current drivabilityand hence small current consumption, so that power supply voltage Vddand the ground voltage Vss fluctuates only a little.

Assume that surge resistance enhancing element 30 (diodes 30 a and 30 b)is connected between power supply lines 80 and 26 as shown in FIG. 16.In the element 30, junction capacitance Cpn of the PN junction isconnected as a parasitic capacitance between power supply lines 80 and26. Power supply voltage Vddq on power supply line 80 considerablyfluctuates because of current consumption by the output circuitry, in adata output operation. The power supply noise on power supply voltageVddq is transmitted by the capacitive coupling through PN junctionparasitic capacitance Cpn to power supply line 26. Power supply voltageVddi on power supply line 26 must be stabilized in order to allowaccurate determination of H level/L level of the input signal, and ifstable determining operation is impossible because of the noise,malfunction is possible at the time of data outputs.

Accordingly, as can be seen from FIGS. 17 and 11, surge resistanceenhancing element 30 (diodes 30 a, 30 b) is connected between powersupply line 27 transmitting internal power supply voltage Vdd and powersupply line 26. As described above, power supply voltage Vdd on powersupply line 27 does not much fluctuate even when the internal circuitryis in operation. Therefore, even when there is a capacitive couplingthrough PN junction parasitic capacitance Cpn between power supply lines27 and 26, it is possible to stably hold the voltage level of inputpower supply voltage Vdd when the memory cell array and the peripheralcircuitry are in operation, and malfunction can be prevented, as powersupply voltage Vdd does not much fluctuate. Accordingly, even when thesurge resistance enhancing element for the input protection circuit isprovided, the input circuitry can operate stably without any influenceof the operation of the output circuitry.

FIG. 18 shows a configuration of a modification of the third embodimentin accordance with the present invention. In the configuration shown inFIG. 18, surge resistance enhancing element 31 (diodes 31 a-31 d) isconnected between ground line 29 transmitting internal circuit groundvoltage Vss and ground line 28 transmitting input circuitry groundvoltage Vssi. In this connection arrangement also, ground line 29 iscoupled only to memory cell array 23 m and peripheral circuitry 23 p,and ground voltage Vss does not fluctuate much. Therefore, even whenthere is the PN junction parasitic capacitance Cpn of element 31, inputcircuitry ground voltage Vssi is stably held at a constant voltagelevel. Accordingly, even when the surge resistance enhancing element isused in a multi-power source configuration, the input circuitry canoperate stably, and the feature of the multi-power source configurationis maintained.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention, the surge resistance enhancing element is connected between apower supply line (Vdd/Vss) connected to circuitry (peripheral circuitryand memory cell array) consuming only a small current in operation andan input circuit power supply line (Vddi/Vssi), it is possible to holdthe input circuit power supply voltage stably at a constant voltagelevel. Therefore, it is possible to operate the input circuitry of thesemiconductor circuit device stably without any influence of anoperation of the output circuitry which consumes much current inoperation to cause much fluctuation in power supply voltage Vddq/Vssq.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 19 schematically shows a structure of the input protection circuitin accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Theinput protection circuit shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to inputprotection circuits 24 a to 24 n shown in FIG. 10, and represents aninput protection circuit provided corresponding to one input buffercircuit. An electrical equivalent circuit of the input protectioncircuit is the same as that of the conventional input protection circuitof FIGS. 1 and 2, and includes diodes D1 and D2.

Referring to FIG. 19, the positive surge voltage absorbing diode D1included in input protection circuit 24 (24 a-24 n) includes an N typeburied layer 90 formed in P type semiconductor substrate 10, an N typewell 91 formed on N type buried layer 90, a high concentration P typeimpurity region 92 formed at the surface of N type well 91, and a highconcentration N type impurity region 93 formed at N type well 91 apartfrom P type impurity region 92. The surface of N type buried layer 90 isin contact with the bottom portion of N type well 91. The N type buriedlayer 90 lowers well resistance of N type well 91, as in the firstembodiment described previously. N type impurity region 93 is connectedto power supply line 26 transmitting power supply voltage Vddi. P typeimpurity region 92 is electrically connected to input node (pad) 1through an internal node 5. P type wells 96 and 97 are formed in contactwith N type well 91 on opposing sides of N type well 91.

A negative surge voltage absorbing diode D2 has similar structure asdiode D2 shown in FIG. 7, and includes an N type buried layer 60, an Ntype well 61 formed on N type buried layer 60, and high concentrationimpurity regions 62 and 63 formed at the surface of N type well 61. Ptype wells 94 and 95 are formed in contact with the N type well 61 onopposing sides of N type well 61. N type impurity region 63 iselectrically connected to input node (pad) 1 through an internal node 5.P type impurity region 62 is electrically connected to ground line 28transmitting ground voltage Vssi. The surface of N type buried layer 60is in contact with the bottom portion of N well 61. P wells 95 and 96may be one P type well, or separate well regions.

In this arrangement, PN junction capacitance is formed between N typewell 91 and P wells 96 and 97 on opposing sides of diode D1. Further, aPN junction capacitance (represented by a dotted line) is formed betweenP type impurity region 92 and N well 91. Similarly, parasiticcapacitance is formed between N type buried layer 90 and P typesubstrate 10.

In diode D2, PN junction parasitic capacitance is formed by P wells 94and 95 on opposite sides of N type well 61, and in addition, parasiticcapacitance is formed between N type buried layer 60 and P typesubstrate 10. Similarly, PN junction parasitic capacitance is formedbetween P type impurity region 62 and N type well 61. Therefore, thereare a large number of parasitic capacitances in diodes D1 and D2, andthe surface voltage can be absorbed by the parasitic capacitances whenthe surge voltage is transmitted through diodes D1 and D2. Therefore, itbecomes possible to absorb the surge voltage without additionallyproviding extra capacitance elements between power supply line 26 andground line 28.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, the negative surge voltage discharging diode element is alsoformed by the P type impurity region and the N type well, with the Nwell surrounded by a P well. Therefore, parasitic capacitance at theinput node can be increased and the negative surge voltage canefficiently be absorbed.

OTHER APPLICATIONS

In the foregoing description, the semiconductor circuit device has beendescribed as a CMOS memory device, especially as a DRAM (Dynamic RandomAccess Memory). The present invention is similarly applicable to asemiconductor circuit device having multi-power source configurationwith input protection circuitry.

As described above, according to the present invention, a semiconductorcircuit device capable of efficiently absorbing surge voltage withoutincreasing area, which has superior area efficiency and superior surgeresistance, can be provided.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor circuit device, comprising: afirst power source line arranged extending continuously in a shape of aloop along a periphery of a semiconductor rectangular region,transmitting a first power source voltage; input circuitry coupled tosaid first power source line and generating an internal signal inaccordance with a signal applied to an input node; a second power sourceline arranged separate from said first power source line, continuouslyextending in a shape of a loop along the periphery of said semiconductorrectangular region and transmitting a second power source voltage, saidsecond power source voltage being the same in logic level as said firstpower source voltage; a plurality of diode elements coupled parallel toeach other between the first and second power source lines; and a firstcircuit coupled to said second power source line and consuming saidsecond power source voltage in operation.
 2. The semiconductor circuitdevice according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of diode elementsare arranged dispersed on said semiconductor rectangular region.
 3. Thesemiconductor circuit device according to claim 1, further comprising: athird power source line provided separate from said first and secondpower source lines and transmitting a third power source voltage; and asecond circuit having larger current consumption in operation than saidfirst circuit, and consuming the third power source voltage on saidthird power source line.
 4. The semiconductor circuit device accordingto claim 3, wherein said second circuit includes an output circuit forexternally outputting a signal.
 5. The semiconductor circuit deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a surge absorbing element fortransmitting a surge voltage generated at said input node to said firstpower source line.
 6. A semiconductor circuit device, comprising, afirst power source line transmitting a first power source voltage; asecond power source line provided separate from said first power sourceline and transmitting a second power source voltage; a third powersource line provided separate from the first and second power sourceline and transmitting a third power source voltage; input circuitryusing the first power source voltage on said first power source line asan operational power supply voltage for operation to generate aninternal signal in accordance with a signal applied to an input node;first internal circuitry receiving as one operational power supplyvoltage the second power source voltage on said second power sourceline, and performing a prescribed internal operation; second internalcircuitry receiving as one operational power source voltage the thirdpower source voltage on said third power source line and performing aprescribed operation, said second internal circuitry having largercurrent consumption in operation than current consumption of said firstinternal circuitry in operation; and a diode element coupled between thefirst and second power source lines.
 7. The semiconductor circuit deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein said diode element is arranged inplurality in parallel to each other between said first and second powersource lines.
 8. The semiconductor circuit device according to claim 7,wherein said diode element arranged in plurality is arranged dispersedover said semiconductor chip.
 9. The semiconductor circuit deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein said semiconductor circuit device isformed on a semiconductor chip, and wherein said first and second powersource lines are each arranged continuously extending to form a loopalong a periphery of said semiconductor chip.
 10. The semiconductorcircuit device according to claim 6, further comprising a surgeabsorbing element for transmitting a surge voltage generated at saidinput node to said first power source line.
 11. The semiconductorcircuit device according to claim 10, wherein said surge absorbingelement includes a buried layer of a second conductivity type formed ina semiconductor substrate region of a first conductivity type, a well ofthe second conductivity type formed on said buried layer with a bottomportion thereof being in contact with a surface of said buried layer, afirst impurity region of the second conductivity type formed on asurface of said well, and a second impurity region of the firstconductivity type formed at the surface of said well apart from saidfirst impurity region, one of the first and second impurity regionsbeing electrically coupled to said input node, an other of said firstand second impurity regions being connected to said first power sourceline, said surge absorbing element being rendered conductive when asurge voltage generates at said input node.
 12. The semiconductorcircuit device according to claim 6, wherein said diode element includesa buried layer of a second conductivity type formed in a semiconductorsubstrate region of a first conductivity type, a well of the secondconductivity type formed on said buried layer, with a bottom portion ofsaid well being in contact with said buried layer, a first impurityregion of the first conductivity type formed on a surface of said well,and a second impurity region of the second conductivity type formed atthe surface of said well apart from said first impurity region, one ofthe first and second impurity regions being electrically coupled to saidfirst power source line, an other of said first and second impurityregions being electrically connected to said second power source line,said diode element being rendered conductive when a surge voltagegenerates on said first power source line.
 13. The semiconductor circuitdevice according to claim 6, wherein the first to third power sourcevoltages are externally applied separately to the first to third powersource lines.